Common Conditions

For New Moms, Vaginal and Caesarean Births Have Similar Sexual Effects

The researchers found few differences between the women’s overall FSFI scores, leading them to conclude that the type of delivery didn’t significantly affect their sexual function. In other words, sexual problems after childbirth were fairly similar for women who had vaginal deliveries and those who had C-sections.

Scores were similar for the individual FSFI domains, too, except for sexual arousal, which was better for the C-section group.

Women with either urinary or fecal incontinence tended to have more sexual issues, but childbirth method did not seem to affect rates of incontinence.

Fortunately, sexual issues after childbirth aren’t usually long term. Most can be treated. For example, women with vaginal dryness might try a moisturizer or lubricant. Those feeling fatigued or anxious might reach out for help from family, friends, or a therapist.